Case Method for the Six Breaks (六破)
Analyze the six branch-break pairs by school, chart layer, strength, affected function, competing relations, and timing.
Overview
A Six Breaks case begins by naming the relation table being used and verifying the six fixed pairs: Zi–You, Chou–Chen, Yin–Hai, Mao–Wu, Si–Shen, and Wei–Xu. The analysis then records pillar position, natal or timing layer, season, roots, hidden stems, relative strength, and the exact chart function that may be loosened or impaired. Because some pairs also carry other named relations, their states must be compared rather than collapsed. A break does not prove betrayal, divorce, illness, injury, financial loss, or a failed agreement.
At a glance
- Reference pairs
- Zi–You, Chou–Chen, Yin–Hai, Mao–Wu, Si–Shen, Wei–Xu
- Required context
- Pillars, layer, season, roots, hidden stems, relative strength
- Core question
- Which identified chart function changes, and by what path?
- Competing relations
- Combination, clash, punishment, harm, Three Combinations, Three Meetings
- Evidence weight
- Usually supporting evidence, not a standalone conclusion
- Does not establish
- Betrayal, divorce, illness, injury, loss, or contract failure
State the Six Breaks table and school
Identify the actual pair, its pillar locations, and whether it belongs to the natal chart, a luck pillar, or an annual layer. Record the school or source that recognizes the relation.
Do not invent a break from general elemental tension. Where a school treats a pair differently, preserve the alternative result instead of presenting a false consensus.
- Require both participating branches.
- Label school-specific rules.
Trace a concrete structural effect
Test whether the relation alters a root, hidden stem, structure pathway, existing combination, or another explicitly identified function.
If no functional path can be demonstrated, retain the relation as a low-weight marker. The English word “break” is not itself evidence of damage.
- Name the affected function.
- Separate detection from effect.
Resolve overlapping relations without erasing them
Map clashes, combinations, punishments, harms, Three Combinations, Three Meetings, and timing contacts involving the same branches.
Explain coexistence, reinforcement, diversion, or restriction under stated conditions. Do not assign disaster points and add the labels together.
- Keep one relation map.
- Preserve competing states.
Do not turn a break into a real-world allegation
The Six Breaks do not establish deception, separation, disease, injury, financial loss, abuse, or legal breach.
Relationship, health, safety, legal, and financial decisions require direct evidence, consent, and appropriate professional support.
- Avoid accusation and diagnosis.
- Do not forecast harmful outcomes.
Sources and editorial basis
- 《三命通會》 (Sanming Tonghui)《三命通會》的地支破法及干支歲運材料提供子酉、丑辰、寅亥、卯午、巳申、未戌等固定配對與使用脈絡A historical compilation covering stems and branches, Ten Gods, Nayin, Shen Sha, and multiple classical pattern systems.
- 《淵海子平》 (Yuanhai Ziping)《淵海子平》的地支合沖刑害破、藏干與格局材料用於檢查六破與其他關係的重疊及實際功能路徑A foundational Ziping reference for branch months, hidden stems, roots, and stem-branch relationships.
- OpenFate Editorial Methodology六破案例頁要求公開採用表、流派、柱位、層次及作用機制，禁止由破字推斷背叛、離婚、疾病、損失或違約OpenFate separates deterministic chart calculation, traditional interpretation, and modern editorial explanation.